According to www.navymustang.org, a mustang is any Navy enlisted Sailor whom is promoted to the rank of officer, and has no interruption of service in their active duty career. Mustangs are not limited to the Navy.

Mustangs date back approximately as far as the 19th century. They were especially common during World War II and the Korean War.

The cross-over from enlisted to officer continues today.

Chief Aviation Ordinanceman Jose Paz became Ens. Jose Paz Thursday, Feb. 1.
Family and friends gathered at Magnolia Methodist Church in Suffolk, Virginia to celebrate his accomplishment.

"The feeling I had on my commissioning was amazing," said Paz. "I was excited to have all the people around me that made an impact in my career to get me to this point."

Depending on what avenue a Sailor chooses, various steps must be completed. Sailors like Paz who take the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) route have to complete an extensive process in order to be considered for commissioning.

"I had to submit a request chit to request to apply," said Paz. "After it was approved, I had a checklist and submitted an application which was reviewed numerous times. After that, I had to do a board where you get graded by senior officers. After I received my grade sheets, my application was finalized, and sent off. I started the process February 2016, and my final application was sent off October 2016. The results came out March 2017, and I waited 11 months for my commissioning."

With all that goes into pursuing a career as an officer, the road to commissioning should not be traveled alone. It takes a lot of support and commitment from one's family and chain of command.

Electricians Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Taylor Mallien, a Sailor aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), currently putting together a Seaman-to-Admiral 21 (STA-21) package, found a great support system throughout the command.

"My chain of command, and reactor department have been nothing but supportive," said Mallien. "Everyone I approach, and even others I didn't approach, have made it apparent that they are more than willing to help me make the best package I can."

Sailors choose to become an officer for various reasons.
While Paz followed this path to further challenge himself, and increase the quality of life for his family, Mallien sees it as an opportunity to make a large impact as an individual, and experience more ships and divisions across the Navy.

No matter the reason for pursuing a career as an officer, one should make the best use of their new position. Mustangs are in a unique position that allows them to understand the Sailors on the deck plates, and their officer counterparts.

"With over six years of enlisted service, I have learned a lot about growing as both a Sailor and an individual," said Mallien. "I believe with my background I will be able to relate well with Sailors, better understanding the struggles and accomplishments that they may face."

With both Mallien and Paz having ample years of experience as enlisted Sailors, it would be ideal for Sailors looking to follow in their footsteps to take heed to their advice.

"My advice is to challenge yourself and always take the hardest jobs," said Paz. "It's when you are out of your comfort zone that you grow and learn new skills. When you are in a leadership position take care of your Sailors, and the Navy will take care of you. Talk to the Mustang community, and get any advice they have to offer. Every community has different things they look for. The Mustang Association is always willing to help because they are always looking for their reliefs."

Whether a Sailor is looking to become an officer, or complete one tour, and separate, Mallien's advice will always be useful. It is basic military standards, show up to work on time with a decent haircut, and a 'sat' uniform.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/.